Lord SE, Halligan PW, Wade DT. Visual gait analysis: the development of a clinical assessment and scale. Clin Rehabil. 1998;12(2):107‑119. [PubMed PMID: 9619652]
| | Full Name | Primary Focus | |---|---|---| | RVGA | Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment | Quality of gait (kinematic deviations) | | RMA | Rivermead Motor Assessment | Gross and fine motor function (three subscales: arm, leg & trunk, gross function) | | RMI | Rivermead Mobility Index | Functional mobility (includes transfers, balance, walking) |
Ensure the patient wears the same shoes (and orthotics, if applicable) during both the initial assessment and follow-up tests to maintain consistency. Next Steps for Your Practice Share public link
Many physiotherapy departments, such as the MS Society , offer the RVGA score sheet directly. Clinical Application and Reliability
The Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment is a well‑validated, clinically practical, and cost‑effective tool for evaluating gait quality in patients with neurological deficits. Its simplicity, combined with robust psychometric properties, makes it a valuable addition to any physical rehabilitation setting. rivermeadvisualgaitassessmentpdfdownload new
The total global score ranges from to 59 (severely affected gait) . Note that item 2 (arm swing) only scores up to "moderate" (2 points), which accounts for the maximum total of 59 rather than 60. Reliability & Validity
The RVGA has several applications in clinical and research settings, including:
To ensure the validity of the tool during assessment, follow these steps:
Effective for monitoring improvements or declines in walking quality over time. Components of the RVGA Assessment Tool Lord SE, Halligan PW, Wade DT
The 2019 authors concluded: “Video‑based RVGA is a reliable and valid tool to assess gait‑related impairment in post‑stroke hemiparesis. This cost‑effective measure may be incorporated in clinical and research practice to discern and quantify the complex phenomenon of gait deviation.” They emphasised that the RVGA is especially valuable in where expensive gait analysers are rarely available.
: Looks at circumduction, hip hiking, knee flexion, and toe clearance.
Visiting (physio-pedia.com) often provides a direct link to the latest RVGA download under their "Clinical Assessment Tools" section. They frequently update their resources.
The RVGA specifically evaluates 20 different aspects of gait during three phases of walking: Academia.edu Stance Phase 1998;12(2):107‑119
Walking is a complex, automatic activity, but for individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, it can become a significant challenge. The is a crucial, evidence-based tool utilized by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation professionals to evaluate, quantify, and treat walking abnormalities.
Researchers are increasingly exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with observational gait assessment tools. While not yet implemented in the RVGA, these technologies could one day automate parts of the scoring process, improving reliability and reducing inter‑rater variability.
: Because it requires only a stopwatch and a clear walking path (or video recording), it is highly recommended for clinical settings in developing countries where advanced motion analysis systems are unavailable.